Eats:

Gabby's Ribs, Steaks, & Bar-B-Q
Locally owned and operated, the first Gabby's opened in Houston 24 years ago and their friends, families and loyal patrons have been returning faithfully ever since. Enjoy genuine slow- smoked Texas barbecue cooked and served in a Texas Hill country ranch house setting.

Address:659 Telephone Rd (Cross Street: Loop 610 South), Houston, TX 77087
Telephone:(713) 649-3055
www.gabbysbbq.com

Mark's American Cuisine
Voted Houston's Most Romantic Restaurant, Mark's American Cuisine is located in a 1920's renovated church. The golden ceilings, the hand painted deco walls, and the candle lit tables provide customers with a cozy environment in which to enjoy Chef mark Cox’s innovative and elegant menus.

Address: 1658 Westheimer Rd (Cross Street: Dunlavy Street Houston, TX 77006
Telephone: (713) 523-3800
www.marks1658.com

Barbecue Inn
Located on the same corner of Houston for over 60 years, the Barbecue Inn has a 60's-style decor and serves up homestyle Texas bbq. Other notable offerings include fresh-fried oysters, fish, crab and chicken. But the barbecue is the bomb! Try the brisket. To top it off, this restaurant offers friendly service and the “best darn dessert and homemade pie in Texas.” Family owned and operated since 1946.

Address:116 W Crosstimbers St (Cross Street: Yale Street),Houston, TX 77018-5630
Telephone: 713-695-8112
www.10best.com/Houston/Restaurants/Barbecue/?businessID=53547

Shopping:

Antique Pavilion
Touted as one of the finest antique shops in the Houston area, the Antique Pavillon features thousands of objects, from small to monumental. The Antique Pavilion is also home to Houston’s most comprehensive collection of English Staffordshire animals and figurines, Majolica and transferware.

Address: 2311 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77098
Telephone: (713) 520-9755
http://www.houston-guide.com/media/GuestLife/Houston/Annual-2006/The-Antique-Pavilion/

Carolyn Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas
Go large at Carolyn Thompson's Antique Center of Texas, where more than 200 dealers and their wares cover 120,000 square feet of warehouse space. Items for sale include silver, fine china, crystal, jewelry and paintings, along with unusual antiques like angling lures and hard-to-find toys. The center features a number of international dealers contributing exotic furniture and Oriental rugs.

Address: 1001 West Loop North, Houston, TX 77055
Telephone: (713) 688-4211
http://antiquecenteroftexas.tripod.com/

Old Town Spring
If you are looking for fine art, antiques, collectibles and unique home accessories, drive north on I-45 to Old Town Spring, a historic railroad town offering a mix of boutiques, wineries, galleries, museums and restaurants. Walk along tree-lined streets and enjoy shaded gazebos and inviting benches while browsing through more than 150 shops. It’s a relaxing place to spend the day.

Address: 606 Spring Cypress Rd., Spring, TX 77373
Telephone:(281) 288-2355
http://www.oldtownspringtx.com/

Uptown Park
European elegance meets Texas style at Uptown Park, located at Post Oak Boulevard and Loop 610. Replete with fountains, landscaping and colorful buildings, this shopping center is reminiscent of an elegant Italian-style piazza. Uptown Park caters to a myriad of life's indulgences while creating an intimate atmosphere full of charm. From designer clothing to spa services, to fabulous restaurants, and a gourmet pasty shop, Uptown park is the fresh, fun place to shop in Houston.

Address: Post Oak Blvd. and Loop 610, Houston, Texas 77056
Telephone: (713) 297-6282
http://www.uptownparkhouston.com/fw/main/Home-395.html

Lodgings:

Magnolia Hotel
The two-story lobby of this 22-story hotel has a bold, contemporary fireplace fronted by a line of colorful ottomans. Walls are covered in cocoa-brown leather, adding warmth to the wood flooring and contemporary furnishings. Many area attractions are within walking distance of the hotel and colorful vintage replica trolley buses, which offer free access to downtown, is just a hop, skip and a jump away.

Address: 1100 Texas Street, Houston, TX 77002 USA
Telephone Number: (713) 221-0011
www.magnoliahotels.com

Alden Houston
Built in 1924, this building - formerly the Sam Houston Hotel - reopened as a chic, contemporary hotel in 2005. In the sleek, minimalist lobby, a glass wall imprinted with the word “Invitation” is backlit in changing colors. The 17 restaurant and a+ lounge are part of the downtown entertainment scene. This boutique hotel is in downtown’s revitalized entertainment district, two blocks from the METRO light-rail line and within walking distance of tons of cool things to do.

Address: 1117 Prairie Street, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Telephone: (832) 200-8800 Website:
www.aldenhotels.com

Landcaster Hotel
Travelers in the know are drawn to this intimate, traditional hotel with a decor reminiscent of a British country manor. The handsomely renovated 1926 building welcomes guests with fresh flowers, beveled glass and original oil paintings of British landscapes.

Address: 701 Texas Street, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Telephone: (713) 228-9500
www.thelancaster.com

Hot Spots:

Max’s Wine Dive
”Upscale dive bar with a standout wine list and late-night comfort food set to a Texas-proud jukebox.” Concrete floors, exposed brick walls and luxe black leather booths jazz this joint up a bit, and so does the expertly selected wine list and menue dominated by organic and locally-grown goods. Crowds of trendy diners vie for tables at dinnertime, sampling menu standouts like the Texas-style chili and the "haute dog." Champagne is sipped with Southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and knockout brownie and bread pudding desserts. The full bar also turns out some mean martinis and sake shooters.

Address: 4720 Washington Ave # B (Cross Street: Shepherd Drive), Houston, TX 77007
Telephone: (713) 880-8737
www.b4-u-eat.com/profile.asp?r=4551

Havana Latin Grill and Bar
We know that nearly every dance club that's been in Houston has claimed to be "The Hot Spot," but at Havana Latin Grill and Bar they've got the street cred to back it up. First, the awesome Mexican, Cuban and Caribbean inspired menu is served until 11p.m. so you can fuel up before you get your groove on. Additionally, Havana boasts three bars that serve a variety of cocktails, including 14 flavors of mojitos! And last, but certainly not least, Havana is one of the hottest Houston dance clubs with the hottest DJs.

Address: 818 Travis St., Houston, Texas
Telephone: 713-222-2254
http://solomatic.com/havana/

Howling Coyote
Howling Coyote features some of the best local talent with some drop ins by national touring acts. The drinks and the music flow out of this blues club with equal vigor and the staff is some of the best around. These elements come together in the Howling Coyote to keep this Houston live music club teeming with audiophiles looking for some down home blues.

Address: 6536 FM 1960, Houston, Texas, 77069
Telephone: 281-444-3401
www.thehowlingcoyote.net